Research and analysis

Children of the 2020s: first survey of families at age 9 months

Findings from wave 1 of the Children of the 2020s (COT20s) longitudinal study.

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 30 November 2023
• Last updated: 11 January 2026 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

COT20s first survey of families at age 9 months: research report

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-496-4, RR1382

PDF, 2.7 MB, 167 pages

COT20s first survey of families at age 9 months: research brief

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-497-1, RR1382b

PDF, 307 KB, 10 pages

COT20s wave 1: technical report

Ref: ISBN 978-1-83870-498-8, RR1382a

PDF, 4.27 MB, 400 pages

Details

The Children of the 2020s (COT20s) study collects longitudinal statistical evidence on the factors and mechanisms that influence cognitive and social-emotional development during early childhood.

This is the first research report on findings from the study. It provides baseline data on the cohort at age 9 months and includes analysis of:

• family socio-economic and demographic characteristics
• parental health including mental health
• child health and language development
• home learning activities
• use of formal and informal childcare
• use of health and family services
• the extent of early developmental disparities

The separate technical report explains how the study was conducted.

The second research report is Children of the 2020s: second survey of families at age 2.

This study is commissioned by the Department for Education and conducted by Ipsos in partnership with University College London.

Published 30 November 2023

Last updated 11 January 2026 + show all updates

1. 11 January 2026

   Added a link to 'Children of the 2020s: second survey of families at age 2'.

2. 30 November 2023

   First published.